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How to Use Contrast Checker

Check color contrast for accessibility. Test text and background colors against WCAG AA and AAA ratios and see a live preview. Free contrast checker.

About this tool

Compare a text color and background color against the tool’s AA and AAA contrast checks.

How to use Contrast Checker

  1. Set Text color and Background color.
  2. Review the preview, contrast ratio and normal-text and large-text results.
  3. Use Swap colors to inspect the reverse pairing and adjust colors as needed.

Worked example

Compare dark text on a light surface, then test a lighter accent color in the same role.

Does passing this check certify a whole page?

No. It checks the supplied color pair, not keyboard access, semantics, motion or the rest of accessibility.

What about gradients, transparency and images?

A single flat-color pair may not represent the actual background. Check the least readable area and the composited color behind the text.

Put this guide into practice

  • Contrast Checker — Check text and background contrast against WCAG AA and AAA.

Explore Color Tools · More practical guides

Accessibility Menu

Personalize your experience. Open with Ctrl+U (Option+U on Mac). Preferences stay in this browser when storage is available.

Move / Hide Widget

Restore at any time with Ctrl+U (Option+U on Mac).

Accessibility statement and help